Blackmagic Supercharges the Broadcast Space with Updated 4K Studio Camera

Two cameras, affordably priced Blackmagic has announced a pair of new studio cameras, the updated 4K Plus model with a few new features, and the Studio Camera 4K Pro. Both have a carbon fiber, polycarbonate design to keep it lightweight, a 7” viewfinder, and an updated video processor capable of recording ISOs up to 25,600 for dimly lit venues.

The low light performance features gain from -12dB (100 ISO) to +36 dB (25,600 ISO) that can reduce gain and noise while providing full dynamic range of 13.4 stops. Crew strapped productions will also like that the camera can be set either manually, or remotely from a switcher using SDI or Ethernet remote camera control. Meanwhile, the Pro model also comes with 12G-SDI, pro XLR audio, a 10G Ethernet for direct video over IP connection, and a brighter, HDR-based LCD screen.

Both models are designed to use photographic micro four-thirds lenses, and thanks to the active lens mount, those lenses can be adjusted remotely or through the optional tripod handles. Just like the full-sized b4 professional studio rigs.

There are also all the advanced broadcast features including Talkback, Tally, camera control, and built-in color correction, as well as recording Blackmagic RAW files directly to USB, so that there’s no additional need to hook up a live switcher or other additional equipment (saved a tripod).

Studio Camera 4K Plus features:

• 4K sensor up to 25,600 ISO
• MFT lens mount
• HDMI out
• 7" LCD with sunshade
• Built-in color correction
• Recording to USB disks

Studio Camera 4K Pro features:

• 4K sensor up to 25,600 ISO
• MFT lens mount
• HDMI out
• 7" LCD with sunshade
• Built-in color correction
• Recording to USB disks
• 12G-SDI, professional XLR audio
• Brighter HDR LCD
• 5 pin talkback
• 10G Ethernet IP

It’s great that BMD has made supporting equipment optional, so that content providers on a budget can take full advantage of these features without breaking the bank. It’s sure to give schools, houses of worship, and low-end live video streaming companies a chance to future-proof their content in the years ahead.

In other Blackmagic News, BMD also announced a new update to the Hyperdeck Studio recorder, as well as their Web Presenter 4K streaming decoder.

There are four new HyperDeck Studio recorders, including the HyperDeck Studio HD Mini ($495), HyperDeck Studio HD Plus ($695), HyperDeck Studio HD Pro ($995) and HyperDeck Studio 4K Pro ($1,495).

All four models can be picked up in 3G-SDI, 6G-SDI, or 12G-SDI configurations, and can record broadcast quality in H.264, Apple ProRes, and DNxHD files directly to SD or SSD media via dual media cards for nonstop recording.

Other features include:

• USB looks like a webcam allowing support for all video software.
• HDR support into recorded files. 
• Professional multi-channel digital audio.
• Built-in timecode and sync generators for ISO recording.
• Compact models only 1/3rd of a rack unit wide.

Features include:

• Supports streaming via Ethernet or tethered phones via USB.
• Built-in broadcast quality hardware H.264 encoder.
• Tethers to 5G or 4G phones for mobile remote streaming.
• Monitoring output includes meters, trend graphs, and SDI technical data.
• 12G-SDI input with down conversion for any HD or Ultra HD source.

All these new products are shipping now through BlackmagicDesign.com and authorized Blackmagic dealers.